Whether you found a valuable antique piece or you have been gifted a family heirloom in need of repair or refinishing, the decision of which woodworking professional you choose should not be taken lightly. In fact, more and more people with basic wood repair needs are calling themselves wood finishers and more and more customers are getting their pieces returned to them in less than ideal condition. The most heartbreaking part of this, is that many people don’t even become aware of the poor craftsmanship until it’s too late.

Some people discover this poor quality when they get the piece home and the finish starts to peel or bubble. Some people discover this when they go to sell the piece to a dealer, and discover that nails or wood glue have been used where it should not be.

It’s a tragic discovery that can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars, and sometimes it cannot be undone.

So how best to choose a woodworker?

The very first thing that is important when choosing someone to refinish your wood, is to find out what that person’s background is. Do they have a family history of woodworking? Are they “weekend warriors” or is this their lifelong passion? Do they take into account a piece’s history when repairing it?

You want to make sure that the person you choose knows not only about woodworking in general, but about the era in which your piece was created. There are subtle things that make a big difference to each time period, and working with someone who can respect that is imperative to a great finished piece.

Secondly, make sure you ask to see photos of prior work, and read comments and feedback from other patrons. Be sure to ask for a referral-someone you can speak with on the phone. You want to make sure that the work was satisfactory, the time-frame was appropriate and the person’s prices were well-thought-out and fair.

If you are looking for a woodworker, or antique restorer in Canada, be sure to contact Don Walser the Fergus Furniture Guy located in Fergus ON. Coming from 3 generations of woodworkers and refinishers, Don exceeds all standards and estimates are always free.